The art of knife-making continues to evolve for the hobbyists and DIY knifemakers. Whether you’re forging blades in your garage or experimenting with handle materials in a small workshop, keeping up with industry trends can help you improve your craft, discover new techniques, and make knives that truly stand out.
At KMTS, we supply knifemakers across South Africa with the tools, steels, and materials they need to bring their designs to life. In this blog, we explore the top knife-making trends shaping the community this year, and how you can use them in your own projects.
1. High-Performance Steels on the Rise
Knife-making is all about performance steels. Hobbyists and professional knifemakers alike are experimenting with modern alloys such as:
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CPM MagnaCut – excellent corrosion resistance and edge retention
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AEB-L is a high-carbon stainless steel originally developed for razor blades, known for its high toughness, good corrosion resistance, and excellent edge stability
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Pop's ProCut - A New Carbon Steel for Knives. The new Pop's ProCut combines high toughness from nickel, good edge retention from tungsten/vanadium, and is easy for knifemakers to use.
For DIY knifemakers, using premium steel means your knives will hold an edge longer, resist rust, and deliver professional-quality performance. While these steels are more expensive, many hobbyists pair them with affordable options such as 1095 carbon steel for practice blades. Now that ArcelorMittal South Africa is closing down their plants in South Africa, the price of 5160 will be drastically rising, as this basic go to steel now needs to be imported.
2. Forged Finishes Make a Comeback
Not every knife needs a mirror-polished blade. More makers are leaving forge marks visible to celebrate the authentic, handmade character of their work. This rustic style not only saves time in finishing but also highlights the knife’s individuality.
A forged finish appeals to collectors and DIY knifemakers who want to show the soul of the steel. It’s proof that the knife was made by hand, not mass-produced in a factory.
3. Handle Materials
Sustainability is influencing knife-making like never before. Traditional dark hardwoods remain popular, but the availability of some of our basic dark woods like Red bush willow and Partridge (Panga Panga) is becoming more scarce.
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Stabilised woods sourced from renewable suppliers
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Micarta and G10 laminates
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Resin hybrids infused with natural materials
These materials deliver striking visual results while supporting a more sustainable craft. Many hobbyists are also repurposing materials, such as old wood from furniture or recycled plastics, to make one-of-a-kind knife handles.
4. Digital Design and CNC Tools for Hobbyists
Knife design has entered the digital age. Affordable CAD software and desktop CNC machines allow hobbyists to create precise designs and even cut blades with millimetre accuracy.
While traditional forging techniques will always have a place in knife-making, the rise of digital tools is helping knifemakers:
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Experiment with blade shapes before forging
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Save time on grinding and profiling.
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Scale designs for small production runs
This hybrid approach, which combines tradition with technology, is becoming one of the fastest-growing trends in DIY knife-making.
5. DIY Heat Treatment at Home
Heat treatment, once a significant challenge to hobbyists, became more accessible with the introduction of more affordable equipment. Small heat-treat ovens allow DIY knifemakers to achieve professional results without sending blades to a specialist.
Getting heat treatment right is the difference between a knife that looks good and one that performs under real use. With home heat-treat solutions, makers can control hardness, tempering, and performance more precisely than ever before.
6. The Rise of Community Knowledge Sharing
Knife-making has always been about passion, and the community spirit is stronger than ever. Platforms like WhatsApp groups, YouTube, Instagram, and Reddit forums are packed with tutorials and step-by-step guides.
In South Africa, hobbyist groups and suppliers such as KMTS play a crucial role in connecting knifemakers through workshops, events, and online learning. For beginners, this means you don’t have to learn alone; you can tap into a global network of makers eager to share tips and tricks.
FAQs: Knife-Making in 2025
Q: What is the best steel for beginner knifemakers?
A: 1070 and 5160 carbon steels remain the most popular choices for beginners; they’re affordable, easy to heat-treat, and widely available.
Q: Are CNC machines necessary for knife-making?
A: No, many knifemakers still prefer hand tools. CNC and CAD software simply open up new possibilities for precision and experimentation.
Q: Where can I buy knife-making supplies in South Africa?
A: At KMTS, we stock a wide selection of knife steels, handle materials, and essential tools for both beginners and experienced makers.
Final Thoughts
Knife-making blends tradition and innovation. From advanced steels and eco-friendly handle materials to affordable heat-treatment tools and digital design, we have more opportunities than ever before to create professional-quality blades.
We offer a custom knife-making kit service that allows hobbyists to design their own knives. Clients submit a drawing, which we convert into a CAD model and cut from their chosen material. We can grind and heat-treat the blade before supplying it as a kit. This gives aspiring knife makers an accessible way to craft and finish their own knives without needing specialised equipment.
If you’re inspired to try these trends, explore our range of knife-making steels, grinders, and supplies at KMTS and take your craft to the next level.